2013 Toyota Avalon is the First Vehicle in the World to Offer Qi Wireless In-Car Charging

After finding their way into our homes and offices, wireless charging systems for cell phones and other electronic devices are now beginning to make their appearance in automobiles.

General Motors has already introduced a wireless cell phone mat and so has Chrysler's Mopar division, but Toyota is laying claims to the "world’s first application of Qi wireless in-car charging" as part of a Technology Package for both the 2013 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid models.

We reached out to Chrysler to ask whether its already available wireless charging system adheres to the "Qi" interface standards and we will post an update once we receive a reply, but for now, we will take Toyota's word for it.

Read more »

New 2013 Toyota Avalon Brings a Sexier Body and Lower Starting Price of $30,990*

About a month before the regular and hybrid variants of the new 2013 Avalon series arrive in dealerships across the States at the beginning of December, Toyota released detailed pricing info for the two models.

The new Avalon will begin at a lower price point than the car it replaces at $30,990 for the base gasoline model, rising to $41,400 for the hybrid variant in top-spec trim. Keep in mind that these prices do not include a delivery, processing and handling (DPH*) fee of $795.

Read more »

2013 Avalon Sedans Tuned by Toyota, TRD and DUB Magazine for SEMA Show

Toyota seems pretty psyched up about its new and more youthfully designed 2013 Avalon full-size sedan.

While it prepares for the car's North American launch, the Japanese automaker thought it would be a good idea to promote the new Avalon and the customization opportunities it offers at next week's SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas with the unveiling of three different project models.

"The new Avalon is an attractive target for performance enhancement," said Toyota Engagement Marketing and Motorsports National Manager Keith Dahl. "Tuners always want to get their hands on a great new design with strong enthusiast appeal."

The first model is the 2013 Avalon TRD Edition developed by the brand's in-house performance arm, Toyota Racing Development (TRD).

The car is finished in a burgundy shade and features a color-keyed grille and tinted taillights with clear lenses. Dual exhaust with polished mufflers and custom tips along with new 19-inch rims wrapped in 225/40R19 Michelin rubber complete the look.

Read more »

Toyota Reveals Engine Specs for 2013 Avalon, Includes 265HP V6 and 200HP Hybrid

When Toyota pulled the wraps off the all-new 2013 Avalon sedan at the New York Auto Show this past April, it shared many general details about the fourth-generation model but didn't say a word about the powertrain options.

Now, the time has come for Toyota to disclose that the new Avalon will arrive in dealerships later this year with a choice of two engines, a regular V6 gasoline unit and for the first time in the model's history, a fuel-efficient hybrid system.

We'll start with the Avalon Hybrid, which borrows its powertrain from the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES 300h and as such, links a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine to a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack and a pair of electric motor/generators within the transaxle.

Read more »